Nepal Trekking Packing List

Trekking equipment is essential for all kinds of trekking in Nepal. The types of trekking gears usually depends on the trekking season and your choice of trekking area. But, you have to always carry good trekking gears to avoid unwanted hassles during your trip.

During warm months, a down jacket or a sleeping bag is not essential. But when you are trekking in winter, these items are compulsory to fight against freezing temperatures. So, it is very important to have good quality and reliable gears to face very harsh weather during the trek.

A proper trekking packing list will make your trekking journey easy and comfortable. Sometimes, the wrong choice of trekking gears can cause serious problems. In such cases, you may have to give up on your trek.

The following Nepal Trekking Packing List is recommended while packing for your trek. This list comprises of gears that have been recommended by experienced trekkers.

This list is just a guideline. Adjustments can be done according to your need, interest, seasons and location of your trek.

You can find a variety of options of these items in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most of the trekking gears are manufactured locally, so they are cheaper.

Some gears are imported from foreign countries and are of a better quality. Although it can be expensive, it will durable and reliable.

Suggested Trekking Packing List

Clothing

During your trek, the temperature can drop significantly if you are going to higher altitudes. So, one best way to stay protected from any change in temperature is to use a three layer system while clothing.

Down Vest

It is very helpful to keep your chest warm on sunny days.

Sports Bras

For women trekkers, sports bras are recommended. A well-designed sports bra will keep you locked down tight and wick moisture away from your skin.

Thermal Tops/Bottoms

Both thermal tops and bottoms will help you to keep your body warm and also wick away your sweat. So, when the temperature gets high, you don’t get overheated.

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Down is the best for trekking because it’s extremely light and warm. It also doesn’t occupy much space in the bag. We highly recommend to the best ultralight down jacket.

A waterproof Jacket

In the high altitude, it gets windy in the evenings and sometimes it rains. A waterproof jacket will help you to stay dry up in the mountains.

If you buy a breathable jacket it will help you not to sweat. Also, the jacket must have a hood.

Fleece Jacket

This jacket is lightweight and will keep you warm. If the temperature is really cool, you can wear this jacket on the outer surface. It is very comfortable to carry.

Long sleeve shirts

You can go for breathable and lightweight polyester shirts. This makes a perfect base layer in cold weather. It can also be a good choice for trekking in warmer weathers.

Long sleeve shirts will protect your skin from sunburn and scratches from plants and rocks. The lower altitudes are hotter, so T-shirts or shirts are recommended.

Gloves

Usually, our hands are exposed to the outer environment. At higher elevations, the temperature might get cold and cold hands for a long period can be dangerous. So, insulated gloves are recommended as it keeps your hands warm on cold treks.

Underwear

Synthetic underwear is more comfortable while trekking long distances. It will wick moisture away from your skin.

Trekking pants

Lightweight trekking pants will help to keep your legs warm during cold days. You can have convertible pants as it can get hot in the afternoons.

Waterproof/Windproof Pants

If you are going for a trek on a wet or cold climate, you will waterproof or windproof pants to keep yourself dry. These don’t need to be insulated, they can be used as a shell.

Shorts

While climbing up, particularly in the lower altitudes, it can get warm in the sun. And your pants will make you hot and sweaty. Thus, shorts give you freedom and are also cooler than pants.

Fleece Tracksuit Pants

These suits are not essential for trekking, but you can wear it around the teahouses and for sleeping.

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Footwear

Trekking Boots

While on trekking, you will be walking on all kind of trails. You will need trekking boots which have a lug sole for good traction and provide ankle support. They should be waterproof in case of snow or rain.

You should avoid carrying heavy weight, all leather backpacking boots. But your trekking boots need to be broken in first and should fit well. It should be fit comfortably with one thin liner sock and a mid-weight wool sock.

Gaiters

At the lower altitudes, trails are dry and dusty. Gaiters are perfect for keeping the dust, rain and deep snow out of your shoes.

Socks

For summer weather, you need to go with a lightweight sock. Whereas for cold weather, you need to go with heavyweight socks.

Socks are essentials to prevent blisters, keep your feet dry and warm. But you need to remember that socks and trekking boots should be coordinated for a proper fit.

Camp Shoes/ Sandals

Camp shoes or sandals are useful in camp activities such as taking a shower. You can also use it while hanging around the tea houses. Also after a long day of trekking, your feet will want to breathe in and sandals are the best option.

Headwear

Sun Hat

Trekking in the summer or at a lower altitude is warmer. While walking on a sunny day, sun hat protects you from sunburn and gives you shade.

Wool or fleece hat

At higher altitudes, you will definitely need these as it is more cold and windy. It makes your head warmer.

Bandana or scarf

Many trekking trails are dusty, especially at the lower altitudes. In this situation, you can tie a scarf around your nose and mouth.

Sunglasses

In high altitude trails, exposing yourself to high-intensity UV rays can be harmful to your eyes. This may cause you a headache and dizziness. The snow and glacier further intensify the UV rays.

Hence, to prevent yourself from snow blindness, you need to use UV protection sunglasses.

Gears

Sleeping bag

You must keep yourself warm during cold nights. The sleeping bag must withstand a temperature of at least -10°C and should be made from duck or goose down.

Your sleeping bag should be a good fit with your body shape. It should have insulated hood for extra warmth.

Backpack

This is your day pack in which you will carry your personal stuff every day. It must be comfortable and large enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing. It must come with a rain cover so that you can keep your gears dry during both rain and snow.

Duffel bag

Your duffel bag should be waterproof, durable and lockable.

Plastic bags

It is helpful to organize and store your dirty laundry.

Trekking poles

Trekking poles will provide you a good balance and support your knees. You will find these useful when you go downhill on your trek.

Personal and Medicals

Water bottles

Two water bottles are recommended each 1-liter bottle. You should take metal water bottles so that you can fill hot water at night, and take it to bed. It will help you to stay warm on a cold night.

Water purification tablets

At the beginning of the trek, you can get mineral water at a cheap price. But when you further go up, then the bottle of the water is going to break your trekking budget. So, you need to take water purification tablets to sterilize your water before drinking.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

At higher altitudes, UV Rays are very harmful and you need extra protection. To protect yourself from the sun, you need to use sunscreen effectively. You need to bring sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15, but SPF 30+ will be better.

Moisturizer

Most of the trekking trails are dry and windy. So moisturizer is good to take care of your skin.

Wet wipes

In the higher altitudes, hot showers are limited and it is very hard to take a normal shower in cold water. In such situation, wet wipes can be used to clean your hand, face, and feet as well.

Pain reliever

Sometimes due to change in the environment, almost all trekkers suffer from an occasional headache. Pain reliever will help you ease the pain.

First Aid Kit

You should bring along any personal medicines that you have been prescribed. A first aid kit will always come in handy too.

Toiletries

You need to bring basic toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet papers.

Hand Sanitizer

Sometimes, hand sanitizer is very useful for a quick wash before eating. This stuff keeps you hygienic during the trekking period.

Towel

Some of the teahouses do not provide towels. So, it is better to bring small and light towels for trekking.

Accessories

Head lamp

A flashlight or headlamp is necessary. You will need this to light your way in the early morning or at night. It is also useful for checking things out in your tent.

Cameras

To capture your beautiful moments during trekking, you will need a camera. You need to bring extra batteries and a memory card as well.

Binoculars

Binoculars are useful while trekking as it helps to take a closer view of the beautiful mountain ranges.

Trekking in the Himalayan region is challenging. Thus, wearing the right trekking gears will make your stay comfortable and you can completely focus on your trekking journey.

Considering all these factors above, you can make a packing list accordingly for your journey.

Note: This is only a general guideline and it is not compulsory to take all the items listed above. But it is best to be prepared well as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.